Member's Press Release

Senator Unger

Charleston, WV - West Virginia Senate Majority Leader John Unger, (D-Berkeley), announced the passage by both the Senate and the House of Delegates of Senate Bill 437.

“In essence, what we’re trying to do is make sure we protect what we have. Other states are cracking down on the puppy mills that are operating illegally. We want to make sure we strengthen our laws so that they’re not just finding this as a haven for that type of operation. That’s why this bill is critical. We need to step up and provide stronger laws to protect our animals as well,” said Senator Unger.

Senate Bill 437 will prohibit “puppy mills” by requiring a business license and annual permits for commercial dog breeders, by limiting the number of dogs which can be kept for breeding and by setting out humane and sanitary conditions which must be maintained.

Senator Unger, lead sponsor of the bill, continues,“We've heard enough horror stories of hundreds of dogs packed into very confined spaces. It's time to do something decisive, and this bill is a critical step forward.”